“The Absence of Rigor and the Failure of Implementation”: Occupational Health and Safety in China

Abstract

Despite government concern with occupational health and safety (OHS) in China and the promulgation of new lawsand regulations in 2002, a lack of rigor and lax implementation are major impediments to improvements in workplace safety. The article highlights important elements from the new Work Safety Law and the Law on the Prevention and Cure of Occupational Diseases, then analyzes key issues arising from bureaucratic excesses, the impact of government restructuring, continuing confusions and contradictions in government responsibility for OHS, and ongoing questions about the official duties and responsibilities of employing units, workers, and the trade union.

Keywords:

• China
• OHS
• ACFTU
• coal mines
• Work Safety Law
• freedom of association